The Human Relations Council of Santa Monica Bay Area promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities.

December 1, 2017
The Human Relations Council – Santa Monica Bay Area is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the

2018 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards

The goal of the HRC’s Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards is to recognize individuals whose involvement with community organizations as a volunteer contributes to and impacts building a respectful, inclusive community. Our honorees are people who:

promote understanding within our diverse community,

make a difference, and

demonstrate compassion for others.

Our award is named for Mark Benjamin – a true hero who gave generously and thoughtfully in support of our community. He exemplified who Studs Terkel described when he wrote, “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.”

On May 26, 2013, the HRC board honored Mark Benjamin, President and CEO ofSanta Monica-based Morley Buildersfor his thoughtfulness and generosity in supporting the work of the HRC.On September 29, 2013, Mark lost his life in a tragic accident.

We invite you to participate in the MJB Community Impact Awards by nominating someone who represents both your organization’s mission and the HRC’s goals. The Nomination Form is included here and also may be found on our website at http://www.hrcsantamonica.org. The nominating period is open from December 1, 2017 – January 31, 2018. Nominations will be reviewed between February 1st and March 1st, and the recipients will be announced on April 1, 2018. Awardees will be honored at a special event on April 26, 2018.

By nominating someone, you are also agreeing to participate in the selection process. During the month of February you will be given nominations to review and rate. Your recommendations will be submitted to the HRC Board of Directors who will make the final decision.

Robert F. Kennedy observed, “Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others…he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current.” The HRC believes it is the sum of the modest, ongoing activities of many that lead to enduring change. Too often, these efforts go unrecognized. The HRC is asking you to help us identify members of our community who are making a significant impact and allow us to bring their work to center stage.

Sponsored by the Santa Monica College Police Department and the Santa Monica College Department of Communications and Media Studies with the support of the Santa Monica Human Relations Council and the Baha’i Community.

Announcing the 2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Award Winners
To be Honored by the Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay

SANTA MONICA, CA, April 17, 2017 – The Human Relations Council of the Santa Monica Bay Area (HRC Santa Monica) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards. The winners will be feted on Thursday, April 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Santa Monica Bahai Center.

Named after long-time HRC Santa Monica board member and former Morley Builders CEO Mark J. Benjamin, the awards recognize those individuals who volunteer their time to promote understanding among diverse people, take actions that make a difference and demonstrate compassion for others.

For over 30 years, Judi Barker has been an active volunteer, leader and supporter of numerous organizations including the Santa Monica Police Activities League, Santa Monica Family YMCA, Santa Monica History Museum, Santa Monica Airport Association and the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club.

Neil Carrey has been active in nonprofit and civic organizations since 1968, serving as a volunteer and in various leadership roles with the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica, Vista Del Mar, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica Youth Athletic Foundation and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Elizabeth “Liz” Cruz has been active in the Pico Neighborhood of Santa Monica, where she was born and raised, and continues to be a leader as the Vice Chair of the Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Board, a mentor to parents, youth and families through Familias Latinas Unidas and Charla y Joyeria, and a community builder through her work with residents at Community Corp of Santa Monica.

Steve Vielhaber has served for many years as a volunteer at Chrysalis, helping homeless individuals prepare to find employment and return to lives of self-sufficiency. He has served as a program volunteer working directly with clients, as well as in leadership roles on three board committees – Finance, Programs and Development.

The Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay Area is a non-profit organization that promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities. It is led by an all-volunteer board of directors who represent residents, business, non-profit organizations, faith congregations and local government.

The awards presentation will take place on Thursday, April 27 at the Santa Monica Bahai Center, 3102 Colorado Boulevard, Santa Monica. Street parking is available along with parking at the Westside Christian Fellowship Church.

Stand & March for Justice with the Human Relations Council
January 16 – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA, January 10, 2017 – Culminating a weekend of activities of the 32nd Annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, on Monday, January 16, the community will walk from the morning program at SGI-USA World Peace Ikeda Auditorium to the Community Involvement Fair at St. Monica Catholic Community’s Grand Pavilion.

With the weekend theme of “Stand Against Injustice,” Monday’s celebration begins at 9am with a free program at the SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. The event is presented by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition (MLK Coalition) and the multi-ethnic, interfaith program will include inspirational readings, speakers, and music. The keynote speaker is Santa Monica College Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.

Continuing with the weekend theme of “Stand Against Injustice,” immediately following the program (approximately 10:30am) the Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay Area and the MLK Coalition invite the community to walk the three blocks to the Community Involvement Fair at St. Monica, 701 California Ave, Santa Monica, where there will be refreshments and informational displays by a variety of community organizations.

Community leaders will lead the procession north on the sidewalks of 7th Street to California and east to the church’s Grand Pavilion. This community expression of the “Stand Against Injustice” theme stresses Peace, Compassion and Unity just a few days prior to a new administration on January 20.

The Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay Area is a nonprofit organization that promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities. The HRC Board of Directors represents a diverse group of leaders representing business, government, education, faith communities and local residents.

The Human Relations Council of Santa Monica Bay Area is a non-profit organization that promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities.

December 1, 2016

The Human Relations Council – Santa Monica Bay Area is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the

2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards Program

The goal of the HRC’s Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards Program is to recognize individuals whose involvement with community organizations as a volunteer contributes to and impacts building a respectful, inclusive community. Our honorees are people who:

promote understanding within our diverse community,

make a difference, and

demonstrate compassion for others.

Our program is named for Mark Benjamin – a true hero who gave generously and thoughtfully in support of our community. He exemplified who Studs Terkel described when he wrote, “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.”

On May 26, 2013, the HRC Directors honored Mark Benjamin, President and CEO of Santa Monica-based Morley Builders for his thoughtfulness and generosity in supporting the work of the Human Relations Council, saying “He is a true hero.” On May 29, 2013, Mark lost his life in a tragic accident.

We invite you to participate in the MJB Community Impact Awards Program by nominating someone who represents both your organization’s mission and the HRC’s goals. The nomination form is included here and also may be found on the HRC website. The nominating period is open from December 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017. Nominations will be reviewed between February 1st and March 1st and the recipients will be announced on April 1, 2017. Awardees will be honored at a specials event on April 27, 2017.

By nominating someone, you are also agreeing to participate in the selection process. During the month of February, you will be given nominations to review and rate. Your recommendations will be submitted to the HRC Board of Directors who will make the final decision.

Robert F. Kennedy observed, “Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current.” The HRC believes it is the sum of the modest, ongoing activities of many that lead to enduring change. Too ofter, these efforts for unrecognized. The HRC is asking you to help us identify members of our community who are making a significant impact and allow us to bring their work to center stage.

SANTA MONICA, CA, April 18, 2016 – The Human Relations Council of the Santa Monica Bay Area (HRC Santa Monica) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards. The winners will be feted on Thursday, April 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Santa Monica Bahai Center.

Named after long-time HRC Santa Monica board member and former Morley Builders CEO Mark J. Benjamin, the awards recognize those individuals who volunteer their time to promote understanding among diverse people, take actions that make a difference and demonstrate compassion for others.

Louise Gabriel, nominated by the Santa Monica History Museum, is being recognized for her over 50 years of ongong philanthropic service to young people, the elderly and disadvantaged. In addition to her work with the Santa Monica History Museum, she is actively involved in a number of organizations including the Salvation Army Auxiliary and Santa Monica Hospital.

Donna Gentry has a long history of working with a number of nonprofits in the Santa Monica area. Nominated by the Westside Family Health Center, Ms. Gentry has shown tremendous capacity for understanding the mission of the Center and has been a staunch supporter through connections, resources and time. Through her work with a number of Santa Monica based nonprofits, she has helped thousands of people make a better life.

Michael Jackson, nominated by the Santa Monica Police Department and MVPP/PeaceProsLA, is being honored for his work with teens and young adults. Mentoring youth, teens and young adult males since he was in high school, Mr. Jackson is known for his ability to advocate for self-responsibility, education, equality and social justice for everyone.

Dr. Scott Sale was nominated by Imagine LA with assistance from the Leo Baeck Temple. Dr. Sale is a tireless advocate on behalf of the homeless and helping them build better lives. He is relentless in working with the faith-based community and motivating others to assist him in helping chronic homeless veterans and families.

The awards presentation will take place on Thursday, April 28 at the Santa Monica Bahai Center, 3102 Colorado Boulevard, Santa Monica. Street parking is available along with parking at the Westside Christian Fellowship Church.

There will be a buffet dinner at 6:00 pm and the awards presentation at 7:00. The event is open to the public but RSVPs are required. Please RSVP at HRCEVENTSRSVP@gmail.com.